Whole Foods Market in Raleigh, North Carolina, has achieved LEED Gold certification, a prestigious recognition for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. This accolade from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) highlights the store’s dedication to energy efficiency and green building standards. Adding to its environmental achievements, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also acknowledged the Raleigh location for successfully diverting over 90% of its waste away from landfills.

Located at 8710 Six Forks Road within the Market at Colonnade shopping center in North Raleigh, this 40,000 square-foot Whole Foods Market store opened its doors in March 2011. From its construction phase through its first year of operation, the store rigorously adhered to stringent building and energy efficiency benchmarks to earn this distinguished LEED Gold certification. Notably, this Raleigh store is the first among Whole Foods Market’s twenty-three locations in the Southern region to receive this honor, and the sixth nationwide to achieve LEED Gold status.

Omar Gaye, the South region Vice President for Whole Foods Market, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are incredibly proud to announce these two significant green accomplishments in Raleigh. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our company ethos, reflecting our ongoing commitment to our core value of caring for both our communities and the environment. We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the efficiency of our existing stores and ensure that all new stores not only meet but exceed these high environmental standards.”

Achieving LEED Gold: A Deep Dive into Sustainable Features

The Whole Foods Market in North Raleigh secured LEED certification by demonstrating excellence in several key areas, including energy and water efficiency, advanced lighting systems, responsible material selection, and the implementation of various sustainable strategies throughout the store. LEED certified buildings are known for their economic and environmental benefits, saving money for businesses and consumers through reduced utility costs, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering healthier environments for communities.

Here are some of the standout sustainable features that contributed to the Whole Foods Market Raleigh’s LEED Gold certification:

Rainwater Harvesting System

The store features an impressive 11,000-gallon rainwater cistern. This system captures rainwater, which is then utilized in restrooms and other non-food-related areas. Crucially, through advanced site engineering, all collected rainwater is managed onsite, significantly reducing the burden on the local storm water systems.

Recycled and Regionally Sourced Materials

Throughout the construction and design of the store, a strong emphasis was placed on using recycled and repurposed materials. Furthermore, over 50% of the materials used were sourced regionally, meaning they originated within 500 miles of the Raleigh site. This commitment to local sourcing reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

The store has achieved a remarkable 38% reduction in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) energy usage and a 16% reduction in lighting power compared to baseline standards for typical grocery stores. These significant reductions are due to several design and technology choices.

Natural Daylight and LED Lighting

Skylights are strategically incorporated to maximize “daylight harvesting,” which reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours and contributes to substantial energy savings. In addition, 43% of the store’s lights are energy-efficient LED lights, further minimizing energy consumption and providing long-lasting, high-quality illumination.

Renewable Energy Credits

Whole Foods Market Raleigh offsets 100% of its electrical power usage through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). This commitment ensures that the electricity used by the store is matched by an equivalent amount of renewable energy generated and added to the power grid.

EPA Recognition for Zero Waste Initiatives

Beyond LEED Gold certification, the North Raleigh Whole Foods Market is also recognized by the EPA as a Zero Waste business. This recognition is a testament to the store’s comprehensive waste diversion program. Dedicated team members diligently manage waste streams to ensure that more than 90% of the store’s waste is directed to recycling, composting, or donation, rather than landfills. Food overages are regularly donated to local non-profit organizations, further reducing waste and supporting the community.

The store’s commitment to recycling extends across all departments, from kitchens to the café, and includes a wide range of materials:

• Paper and newspaper

• 1-#7 plastic

• Glass
• Aluminum and steel cans

• 5 plastic recycling with Preserve

• Cardboard and paperboard
• Waxed cardboard recycling through Envirolog
• Clear plastic film and packaging material

George Jones, the North Raleigh Store Team Leader, proudly acknowledged his team’s efforts: “I am incredibly proud of our team members for wholeheartedly embracing the Zero Waste initiative and taking full ownership of it. Their dedication is the driving force behind our success in diverting over 90% of our store’s waste from landfills and repurposing it. This is a significant achievement, and we hope to inspire other stores to follow our lead.”

Whole Foods Market: A Leader in Sustainable Grocery

Founded in 1980, Whole Foods Market has established itself as a leading retailer of natural and organic foods. With a core mission encapsulated in the motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet,” the company is committed to customer satisfaction, team member well-being, community support, environmental stewardship, and shareholder value. This LEED Gold certification and EPA recognition for the Raleigh, NC store exemplify Whole Foods Market’s ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. Consumers in Raleigh and beyond can feel good about shopping at Whole Foods Market, knowing they are supporting a company that prioritizes both healthy food and a healthy planet.